Do divorce rates spike in the summer?

On behalf of Venzon Law Firm PC posted in Divorce on Friday, August 3, 2018.

A divorce can occur anytime throughout the year. However, there are actually seasonal changes that provoke an increase in the divorce rate. There are several explanations for this, but the fact remains that couples on the edge of divorce are more likely to follow through during certain months of the year.

With summer in full swing, if you and your spouse are considering divorce, you may find that the summer actually exacerbates the possibility of moving forward with this decision. Discover more about this seasonal phenomenon and different factors that come into play.

When divorce rates spike

A study by the University of Washington found that divorce rates rise sharply in certain months of the year. One of these months is August, at the end of summer. A possible explanation for this is that many couples and families take vacations in the month of July. Marital discord that already exists can increase under the stresses that come with normal vacation logistics, and a couple may decide that it is time to end the marriage.

Another month in which divorce rates spike is March. This may be directly correlated with a post-Valentine's Day decision to end the marriage. It may also simply be that couples decide to make a last go at trying to save their marriage after the Christmas holidays and discover early in the year that it is not possible. The study's authors said that online searches for "divorce" peak around March.

How to prepare for an imminent divorce

If you think you are heading toward divorce, it is in your best interest to take some steps to prepare. There are issues you need to consider, including child custody and visitation. If you and your spouse are able to reach agreements on these issues, you may be able to work on a custodial agreement together and keep matters from being litigated in front of a judge. This can be beneficial because it keeps the decision-making in your hands.

Knowing the times of the year when divorce rates spike can help you prepare for your own divorce if you think it is on the horizon. Being realistic about the fact that your marriage may not survive, and making the decision to divorce before things become overly filled with animosity, can lead to a more amicable divorce and lead to your happy ever after.

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